Not all dogs need the same amount—or type—of exercise. While some breeds are happy with a couple of relaxed walks a day, others need structured physical activity, mental challenges, and purposeful movement to truly thrive. Understanding your dog’s breed-specific exercise needs is one of the most important steps you can take toward improving their health, behavior, and overall quality of life.
In this guide, we’ll break down how exercise needs differ across dog breeds, why those differences exist, and how you can meet your dog’s needs realistically—whether you live in a downtown apartment or have access to open trails.
Why Exercise Needs Vary by Breed
Dog breeds weren’t created randomly. Most were developed for specific jobs: herding livestock, guarding property, hunting game, pulling sleds, or providing companionship. Those original purposes still influence how much energy dogs have today, how they move, and how they use their brains.
Three key factors shape a breed’s exercise needs:
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Energy level – How much daily physical activity they require
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Mental drive – How much stimulation they need to avoid boredom
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Physical structure – How their body handles movement, speed, and endurance
Ignoring these factors often leads to common issues like destructive behavior, excessive barking, anxiety, or weight gain.
Low-Energy Breeds: Gentle Movement, Consistency Matters
Low-energy breeds are often misunderstood. While they don’t need intense exercise, they still require daily movement to stay healthy.
Common Low-Energy Breeds
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Bulldog (English & French)
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Pug
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Shih Tzu
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Basset Hound
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Greyhound (surprisingly!)
Exercise Needs
Most low-energy breeds do well with:
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30–60 minutes of total activity per day
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Short, relaxed walks
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Light play sessions
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Gentle mental stimulation
These dogs often prefer consistency over intensity.
How to Meet Their Needs
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Opt for short but frequent walks rather than one long outing
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Use sniffing walks to engage their brain without overworking their body
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Incorporate indoor games like puzzle toys or hide-and-seek
💡 Tip: Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs) need extra care in hot or cold weather. Adjust walk times accordingly.
Moderate-Energy Breeds: Balance Is Key
Moderate-energy dogs are often the most adaptable. They enjoy activity but don’t require constant stimulation.
Common Moderate-Energy Breeds
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Labrador Retriever
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Golden Retriever
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Cocker Spaniel
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Border Terrier
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Standard Poodle
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Australian Shepherd (lower drive lines)
Exercise Needs
These dogs typically need:
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60–90 minutes of daily activity
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A mix of walking, play, and training
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Opportunities to run or explore safely
How to Meet Their Needs
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Combine structured walks with free play
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Add light training during walks (sit, wait, heel)
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Rotate activities to avoid boredom
Moderate-energy breeds often thrive when both physical and mental needs are addressed together.
High-Energy Breeds: Purposeful Movement Required
High-energy breeds are often the most challenging—not because they’re difficult dogs, but because their needs are frequently underestimated.
Common High-Energy Breeds
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Border Collie
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Belgian Malinois
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Siberian Husky
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German Shepherd
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Vizsla
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Weimaraner
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Jack Russell Terrier
Exercise Needs
High-energy breeds often require:
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90–120+ minutes of daily activity
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High-intensity exercise
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Mental work every single day
A quick walk around the block is rarely enough.
How to Meet Their Needs
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Include purposeful exercise like running, hiking, or structured games
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Add mental challenges (scent work, obedience training, problem-solving)
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Split activity into multiple sessions throughout the day
💡 Important: Over-exercising without mental stimulation can still leave these dogs frustrated. It’s not just about tiring the body—it’s about engaging the brain.
Working & Herding Breeds: Exercise Plus a Job
Working and herding breeds were bred to think, react, and move for hours at a time. Even as pets, they still crave structure and purpose.
Examples
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Border Collie
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Australian Cattle Dog
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German Shepherd
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Shetland Sheepdog
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Belgian Malinois
What They Need
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Daily physical activity
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Structured training sessions
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Tasks that mimic “work”
Practical Solutions
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Teach new commands regularly
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Try canine sports (agility, rally, nose work)
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Use backpack walks or controlled fetch sessions
Without structure, these breeds often develop anxiety or obsessive behaviors.
Toy & Companion Breeds: Small Dogs, Real Needs
Small dogs are often underestimated when it comes to exercise. While they may not need long hikes, they still need daily engagement.
Common Toy Breeds
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Chihuahua
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Maltese
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Pomeranian
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Yorkshire Terrier
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Papillon
Exercise Needs
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30–60 minutes of daily activity
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Short walks and play sessions
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Mental stimulation through games and training
How to Meet Their Needs
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Multiple short walks instead of one long one
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Indoor enrichment for bad weather days
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Training games that build confidence
Small dogs still benefit enormously from routine and structure.
Sighthounds: Sprint, Then Sleep
Sighthounds are unique. They’re built for speed, not endurance.
Examples
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Greyhound
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Whippet
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Italian Greyhound
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Saluki
Exercise Needs
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Short bursts of intense activity
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Safe, enclosed spaces to run
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Plenty of rest afterward
How to Meet Their Needs
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Controlled off-leash runs in safe areas
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Leash walks for daily routine
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Avoid over-long endurance exercise
Despite their athletic appearance, many sighthounds are couch lovers.
Puppies vs Adults vs Seniors: Age Changes Everything
Breed is important—but age matters just as much.
Puppies
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Short, frequent exercise
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Focus on play and learning
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Avoid over-exertion to protect joints
Adult Dogs
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Peak endurance and strength
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Need consistent routines
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Benefit from variety
Senior Dogs
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Lower intensity, higher frequency
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Gentle walks and mobility support
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Mental stimulation remains essential
Always adjust exercise based on your dog’s age and physical condition.
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting the Right Amount of Exercise
Too little—or too much—exercise can cause problems.
Signs of Under-Exercise
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Destructive behavior
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Excessive barking
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Restlessness
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Weight gain
Signs of Over-Exercise
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Limping or stiffness
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Reluctance to move
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Excessive panting
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Irritability
The goal is balanced, appropriate movement—not exhaustion.
How to Build the Right Routine for Your Dog
Instead of focusing on minutes alone, think in terms of quality.
A well-rounded exercise routine includes:
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Daily walks (structured + sniffing)
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Mental enrichment
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Breed-appropriate intensity
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Rest and recovery
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Understanding your dog’s breed gives you a powerful starting point—but every dog is an individual. Personality, health, environment, and lifestyle all play a role in determining the right exercise routine.
When you meet your dog’s physical and mental needs, you don’t just get a calmer dog—you build trust, strengthen your bond, and create a happier life together.
Whether your dog is a high-drive adventurer or a laid-back companion, the right kind of movement makes all the difference.
